VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01413
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01413
Petitioner: Melinda Middlebrooks
Filed: 2016-10-27
Decided: 2020-12-07
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2015-09-15
Condition: left shoulder injury
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 87464

AI-assisted case summary:
Melinda Middlebrooks filed a petition alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury caused by an influenza vaccination she received on September 15, 2015. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. Respondent filed a motion for a factual ruling, and a ruling was issued finding that the onset of Ms. Middlebrooks' left shoulder symptoms occurred within 48 hours of her vaccination. Respondent subsequently filed an amended Rule 4(c) report, acknowledging the factual ruling and concluding that Ms. Middlebrooks suffered a shoulder injury caused-in-fact by her vaccination. Respondent further stated that he did not dispute that Ms. Middlebrooks satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation. Based on respondent's position and the evidence, the court found Ms. Middlebrooks entitled to compensation. Later, the parties filed a stipulation recommending an award of compensation. Respondent continued to maintain a contrary position to the entitlement ruling but agreed not to seek review of that determination. The parties stipulated that Ms. Middlebrooks would receive a lump sum of $87,464.26, representing compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court, awarding the stipulated amount.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01413-0
Date issued/filed: 2019-03-13
Pages: 10
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 02/04/2019) regarding 47 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law ( Signed by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. )(mpj) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 1 of 10
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 16-1413V
Filed: February 4, 2019
MELINDA MIDDLEBROOKS, Special Processing Unit (SPU);
Motion for Finding of Fact; Findings
Petitioner, of Fact; Onset; Influenza (Flu)
v. Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for
petitioner.
Daniel Anthony Principato, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
respondent.
FINDING OF FACT 1 AND SCHEDULING ORDER– SPECIAL PROCESSING UNIT
Dorsey, Chief Special Master:
On October 27, 2016, petitioner filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury caused by a
September 15, 2015 influenza (“flu”) vaccination. Petition at 1. The case was assigned
to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
Respondent now moves for a factual ruling with respect to the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms. ECF No. 43 at 8. For the reasons discussed
1 The undersigned intends to post this ruling on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website. This
means the ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule
18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of
which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned agrees that
the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from public
access. Because this unpublished ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case,
undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance
with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion
of Electronic Government Services).
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 2 of 10
below, the undersigned finds petitioner received a flu vaccination in her left deltoid on
September 15, 2015, and that the onset of petitioner’s left shoulder injury was within 48
hours of her September 15, 2015 flu vaccination.
I. Procedural History
Following the filing of the October 27, 2016 petition, petitioner submitted medical
records, an affidavit, and a Statement of Completion on November 7, 2016. ECF No. 7,
8.
Respondent stated in a status report on February 22, 2017, that he was willing to
receive a reasonable settlement demand. ECF No. 12. Petitioner reported a
comprehensive demand was forwarded to respondent on March 27, 2017. ECF No. 14.
On May 26, 2017, petitioner stated that the settlement negotiations were at an impasse
and the parties’ agreed to a status conference with the undersigned after updated
medical records were obtained and filed. ECF No. 21. Petitioner filed additional
medical records and an amended statement of completion on September 13, 2017.
ECF Nos. 22, 25, 27.
On October 25, 2017, the parties had a status conference to discuss the status of
the settlement discussions. ECF No. 28. Petitioner’s counsel argued that, based on
updated medical records, this case involves a SIRVA with ongoing complications.
Respondent argued that the updated records indicate petitioner suffered from
radiculopathy, not a SIRVA, and disputed that the onset of petitioner’s injury was within
48 hours of the vaccination. Id. The undersigned set forth a preliminary finding that,
based on the totality of the medical records, the preponderant evidence shows
petitioner’s injury is consistent with a SIRVA. Id. at 1-2. Petitioner was then ordered to
file any outstanding medical records, and respondent was ordered to file a Rule 4(c)
Report thereafter.
Between November 27, 2017 and December 5, 2017, petitioner filed four
affidavits and additional medical records in support of her petition. ECF Nos. 29-35. On
January 19, 2018, respondent filed Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report (“Respondent’s
Report”) stating that compensation is not appropriate in this case, based in part on his
conclusion that petitioner did not complain of shoulder pain until six weeks after she
received the September 15, 2015 flu vaccination. Respondent’s Report at 8.
Respondent also argued that petitioner exhibited radiculopathy, which would explain her
symptoms. Id. at 9.
Petitioner was ordered to file an expert report supporting her claim. Following an
unopposed request for a 60 day enlargement of time (see ECF No. 39), petitioner filed
an expert report on May 17, 2018. ECF No. 40. Respondent stated in a status report
on June 18, 2018, that he intended to file a responsive expert report. ECF No. 41.
Following a request for an unopposed motion for an enlargement of time, respondent’s
report was due by October 1, 2018. See ECF No. 42.
On September 24, 2018, respondent filed a Motion for a Factual Ruling, wherein
respondent requested the undersigned make a factual ruling with respect to the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms. ECF No. 43. Respondent also requested that,
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 3 of 10
because a finding of onset is necessary for a proper evaluation of this case by an
expert, respondent’s deadline to file an expert report be suspended. Id. at 8 n.3.
Petitioner filed a response on September 26, 2018, requesting that respondent’s
motion be denied. ECF No. 44.
On November 7, 2018, the parties had a status conference to discuss how they
intended to proceed. ECF No. 45. The parties agreed to suspend the deadline for
respondent’s expert report and pursue a ruling on the record with regard to onset.
Petitioner also agreed to submit additional evidence regarding the date of her injury,
and filed a supplemental affidavit on November 8, 2018.
II. Factual History
a. Petitioner’s Medical Records
Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on September 15, 2015 in her
left deltoid. Ex. 1. Prior to September 15, 2015, petitioner had no history of left
shoulder pain.
On October 29, 2015, petitioner sought medical care from Dr. Abraham
Goodgold for her left shoulder pain. Ex. 2 at 3, 4. Petitioner reported that “[o]n
September 15, 2015 [she] received her flu shot, on the left deltoid” and “the site of
injection is painful traveling all the way to her shoulder.” Id. at 3. Upon examination,
petitioner’s shoulder movements were restricted and painful with flexon. Id. at 4.
Petitioner was diagnosed with unspecified myositis. Id.
Petitioner had a follow-up appointment with Dr. David Schreck for left shoulder
pain on November 5, 2015, when she was diagnosed with shoulder bursitis and
tendonitis of her left shoulder. Ex. 3 at 5, 13. Dr. Schreck noted that “patient originally
felt that this could be related to a flu shot injection that was given to her in the area 2
months ago.” Id. at 5. Petitioner’s doctor noted “[i]t is unclear to me whether this injury
is due to a flu shot…” but also noted that there were no signs of neurologic deficits. Id.
An x-ray revealed calcific deposits at the acromial region. Id. Petitioner was diagnosed
with bursitis of the left shoulder and calcific tendinitis. Id.
On November 9, 2015, petitioner again reported left shoulder pain that was
localized anteriorly and occasionally radiated down into the upper arm. Ex. 3 at 2.
Upon exam, petitioner’s left shoulder was positive for Neer and Hawkins impingement
sign, and a tender anterolateral acromion and AC joint. Id. at 3. Petitioner received an
injection into her shoulder of depomedrol and zylocaine. Id. At that time, petitioner was
diagnosed with left shoulder impingement syndrome. Id. at 3.
Petitioner was seen by Dr. David Wang, a physician at the Primary Care Sports
Medicine Hospital for Special Surgery, for an initial consultation due to left shoulder pain
on March 3, 2016. Ex. 5 at 11. Dr. Wang noted that petitioner “reported symptoms
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 4 of 10
began on September 15, 2015. She had her flu shot and she noted immediate burning
pain and severe discomfort….” Id.
Petitioner underwent an MRI on March 4, 2016. Ex. 4 at 5. The MRI stated that
petitioner had “[s]evere left shoulder pain and decreased range of motion since
September 2015” and that the onset occurred “after flu vaccine in the area.” Id. at 5.
The MRI showed rotator cuff tendinosis, adhesive capsulitis, and a torn labrum. Ex. 4 at
5, 6; Ex. 5 at 11.
On March 11, 2016, petitioner was seen again by Dr. Wang for left shoulder pain
that she reported “began in September after a flu vaccine.” Ex. 5 at 7. Petitioner’s
physician stated in the assessment that “[g]iven onset immediately after flu vaccine,
suspicious for local reaction. Given her lack of range of motion, pain, prior history of
frozen shoulder on opposite side, and MRI findings, suspect adhesive capsulitis.” Id. 5
at 8.
On March 23, 2016, petitioner was assessed by a physical therapist for
continued left shoulder pain and adhesive capsulitis. The physical therapy records
report “onset of L[eft] shoulder pain after a flu shot in September.” Ex. 4 at 1. The date
of injury was recorded as 9/23/2015. Id. Petitioner was discharged from physical
therapy on June 9, 2016 after achieving most of her short term and long term goals. Id.
at 26.
Petitioner was seen for a follow-up for left shoulder pain again on May 13, 2016.
The records state that her shoulder pain and adhesive capsulitis “developed after a flu
vaccine in September 2015.” Ex. 5 at 15. Petitioner also stated that “over time she’s
had complete resolution in symptoms.” Id. at 15, 17.
On December 16, 2016, petitioner was seen again for left shoulder pain that
“began about 1 year ago after a flu shot.” Ex. 7 at 1. Petitioner was assessed with
adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder. Petitioner was also referred for a neurological
consultation.
Petitioner was seen for left arm pain again on April 28, 2017. She presented with
“c/o pain to left arm s/p influenza injection 9/15/15.” Ex. 8 at 1.
On May 22, 2017, petitioner saw Dr. Teena Sheetty, MD, for evaluation of left
arm pain and numbness. Ex. 9 at 1. Petitioner reported that she received a flu shot on
September 15, 2015 and immediately felt a shooting pain that wrapped around the back
of her shoulder. Id. Petitioner was diagnosed with left brachial plexopathy, intrinsic left
shoulder mechanical issues including adhesive capsulitis, labral tear, and rotator cuff
tendinosis. Dr. Sheetty also stated the chronology of pain followed by weakness is
“most typical of Parsonage Turner syndrome.” Id. at 4.
An MRI on May 30, 2017 showed no evidence of a plexitis or regional
denervation effect. Ex. 10 at 1. An EMG and nerve conduction study on June 5, 2017
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 5 of 10
was normal with no evidence of brachial plexopathy, axillary neuropathy, or
radiculopathy. Ex. 9 at 5.
On July 6, 2017, petitioner was seen again for left arm pain and numbness. At
that time, petitioner reported that “on 9/15/15, after receiving a flu shot in the left arm at
CVS, she immediately developed a shooting pain that radiated around the back of the
left shoulder.” Ex. 11 at 5.
Petitioner was seen by Dr. Wang on August 11, 2017, for continued shoulder
pain that began “about 2 years after a flu shot. Ex. 13 at 1. Petitioner reported that pain
“does not radiate down the arm, but she feels a tingling/numbness down the arm, over
the volar forearm and into the hand.” Id. Another MRI was conducted at that time. Id.
at 6.
On August 31, 2017, petitioner was seen by Dr. Semih Gungor for pain
management. Ex. 14 at 1. Petitioner complained of left shoulder pain, arm and forearm
pain that started after a flu shot on September 15, 2015. Id. Prior to this, petitioner did
not complain of any pain in the left shoulder or upper extremity, but after the injection
she “reported pain in the left shoulder at the injection site that spread to entire shoulder,
as well as spreading to the left side of the neck and to the inside of the left upper
extremity, along with tingling sensation.” Id. Additional MRI and x-rays were ordered,
and petitioner had an MRI of her cervical spine on August 31, 2017. Ex. No. 20 at 2.
The MRI showed spinal stenosis. Id. September 7, 2017, she was diagnosed with
cervical radiculopathy. Ex. 14 at 11.
b. Petitioner’s Affidavit Evidence
In support of her petition, petitioner submitted five affidavits: Petitioner’s Affidavit
(Ex. 6), Affidavit of Jessica Middlebrooks Minneci (Ex. 15), Affidavit of Joseph
Middlebrooks Shapiro (Ex. 16), Affidavit of Rudolph Anthony Moni (Ex. 17), Affidavit of
Mary Jo Middlebrooks (Ex. 18), and a supplemental affidavit on November 8, 2018 (Ex.
25).
In her affidavit, petitioner stated that at the time of vaccination on September 15,
2015, she informed the administrator that the injection site was very painful, and was
told that the pain would ultimately go away. Ex. 6 at 1. However, according to
petitioner, the pain became progressively worse. Id. Petitioner does not indicate why
she delayed in seeking treatment until October 29, 2015.
Jessica Middlebrooks Minneci, petitioner’s youngest child, also submitted an
affidavit in this case. Ms. Minneci stated that she is an associate at the law firm of
Middlebrooks Shapiro, P.C., where petitioner is the managing partner. Ex. 15 at 1. Ms.
Minneci stated that petitioner and petitioner’s son, Joseph Middlebrooks Shapiro,
received a flu vaccination and told her “that the pain they both experienced was severe
and unbearable.” Ex. 15 at 2. Ms. Minneci also stated that, during the week of
September 15 both petitioner and Mr. Shapiro stated the pain had not subsided but
“was getting progressively worse.” Id.
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 6 of 10
Joseph Middlebrooks Shapiro, petitioner’s oldest child, submitted an affidavit in
this case. Ex. 16. Mr. Shapiro stated that he and petitioner received a flu vaccination
on September 15, 2015. Id. at 2. Immediately following the vaccinations, both Mr.
Shapiro and petitioner “were in immediate pain.” Id. During the week of September 15,
2015, Mr. Shapiro stated that both he and petitioner “realized that the pain was not
subsiding, but rather that it was intensifying and getting progressively worse.” Id.
Mr. Rudolph Anthony Moni, petitioner’s husband, submitted an affidavit in this
case. Ex. 17. Mr. Moni stated “when [petitioner] received her flu vaccination on
September 15, 2015, she instantly became unable to use her left arm without great
pain.” Id. at 1-2. Mr. Moni further stated that he also received a flu vaccination on
September 15, 2015, and that both petitioner and Mr. Shapiro told him “the pain they
both experienced was severe and unbearable.” Id. at 3.
Mary Jo Middlebrooks, petitioner’s sister, submitted an affidavit in this case. Ex.
18. Ms. Middlebrooks stated that petitioner called her “immediately after receiving the
flu vaccination and told [her] that the pain she experienced was severe and
unbearable.” Id. at 2. In addition, during the week of September 15, Ms. Middlebrooks
stated that she spoke with petitioner several times, and that petitioner told her the pain
had not subsided but “had intensified and was getting progressively worse.” Id. at 2.
Petitioner’s supplemental affidavit addressed the discrepancy in the record
regarding the onset of her injury. Petitioner stated that she underwent an initial physical
therapy evaluation on March 23, 2016, and “recently became aware that the record of
that day’s visit indicates an ‘Injury/Onset Change of Status Date’ as ‘9/23/2015….’” Ex.
25. Petitioner is not aware how the date of her injury was assessed in that record, and
cannot account for this error. Id.
c. Expert Report
In addition to medical records, petitioner submitted an expert report of Dr. Clifford
Colwell, Jr. Ex. 22. Dr. Colwell is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive
experience in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries. See Ex. 23 at 1 (Curriculum
Vitae of Dr. Marko Bodor).
Dr. Colwell reviewed the medical records submitted in this case. Ex. 22 at 1.
According to Dr. Colwell, “it is [his] expert opinion…that [petitioner] meets the defined
definitions of SIRVA, as outlined by The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
(VICP)….” Id. at 1. In support of this conclusion, Dr. Colwell states that there is no
indication that petitioner had any previous history of left shoulder pain, inflammation, or
dysfunction prior to petitioner’s September 15, 2015 vaccination. Id. Further, “[a]ll of
[petitioner’s] symptoms indicated that her pain occurred within the specified time frame
outlined in the requirements.” Id. Petitioner’s “reduced range of motion was limited to
the shoulder in which the intramuscular vaccine was given.” Id.
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 7 of 10
Dr. Colwell also addressed the reference to cervical radiculopathy in petitioner’s
exhibit 18. According to Dr. Colwell, there is no mention of this potential diagnosis in
exhibits 1-17, her EMG and conduction velocities were normal, and all her treatments
were centered on a localized shoulder pathology. Id. at 2. Dr. Colwell further stated
that
Many patients in this age category carry a diagnosis of
cervical radiculopathy due to degenerative arthritis in the
cervical spine which is unrelated to other diagnoses that the
patient may have. It would be highly unlikely that cervical
radiculopathy would manifest itself at exactly the same time
as the influenza vaccine was given. In addition, the report in
exhibit 18 did not exclude a diagnosis of SIRVA.
Id. at 2.
III. Parties’ Contentions
Respondent requests that the Chief Special Master make a factual ruling with
respect to the onset of petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms to resolve ambiguous and
inconsistent medical records. Motion for A Factual Ruling (“Respondent’s Motion”) at 8.
Respondent argues the record does not establish the onset of petitioner’s injury within
48 hours of the vaccination. Id. Respondent stresses that the first three post-
vaccination medical visits referenced the vaccination, but only spoke in non-specific
terms. Therefore, according to respondent, the record only establishes that petitioner’s
symptoms began sometime between the vaccination on September 15, 2015 and when
she first sought medical care on October 29, 2015. Id. Respondent further requested
that his deadline to file an expert report be suspended as a factual finding may obviate
the need for an expert report regarding entitlement. Id. at 8 n.3.
Petitioner’s response opposes respondent’s request as untimely. Petitioner’s
Response to Respondent’s Motion for a Factual Ruling (“Petitioner’s Response”) at 1, 3.
Petitioner notes that respondent was initially ordered to file an expert report in January
of 2018. Id. at 3. Further, petitioner notes that respondent set forth two grounds for
why compensation should be denied, and Respondent’s Motion only addresses one of
them.3 Id. at 1.
3 Respondent argued in his Rule 4(c) report that entitlement should be denied in this case because
petitioner’s symptoms did not occur within 48 hours and that petitioner showed signs of radiculopathy and
symptoms not associated with a SIRVA. Although this case was filed before SIRVA was added to the
Vaccine Injury Table, the Vaccine Act is instructive. The Vaccine Act states: “The special master or court
may find the first symptom or manifestation of onset…described in a petition occurred within the time
period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though the occurrence of such symptom or
manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly recorded as having occurred outside such period.” §
300aa-13(b)(2).
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 8 of 10
IV. Finding of Fact
The issue before the undersigned is whether the onset of petitioner’s condition
was within 48 hours of the vaccination implicated by petitioner’s claim. Petitioner has
the burden of demonstrating the facts necessary for entitlement to an award by a
“preponderance of the evidence.” § 300aa-12(a)(1)(A). Under that standard, the
existence of a fact must be shown to be “more probable than its nonexistence.” In re
Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 371 (1970) (Harlan, J., concurring). In light of all of the above
record evidence and for the reasons described below, the undersigned finds that there
is preponderant evidence that the onset of petitioner’s alleged shoulder pain occurred
within 48 hours of petitioner’s September 15, 2015 flu vaccination.
As described above, petitioner’s medical records demonstrate that petitioner
repeatedly and consistently linked her injury to her flu vaccination. The first time
petitioner sought medical treatment for her injury on October 29, 2015, Dr. Goodgold’s
notes state “[o]n September 15, 2015, patient received her flu shot, on the left deltoid….
Patient states that the site of injection is painful…. Patient states her range of motion is
limited because of the pain.” Ex. 2 at 3. Petitioner further linked the onset of her injury
to her vaccination on November 5, 2015, when she stated to Dr. Schreck that her injury
“could be related to a flu shot injection that was given to her in the area 2 months ago.”
Ex. 3 at 5.
Moreover, petitioner definitively linked the onset of her injury to the flu
vaccination in an explicit fashion on March 4, 2016, when she reported to Dr. Wang that
her “symptoms began on September 15, 2015. She had her flu shot and she noted
immediate burning pain and severe discomfort….” Ex. 5 at 11. Additional records
provide further corroboration. For example, on March 4, 2016, petitioner reported
severe left shoulder pain and decreased range of motion “since September 2015” and
that these symptoms occurred “after flu vaccine….” Ex. 4 at 5. On March 11, 2016, Dr.
Wang, also noted that the onset of petitioner’s left shoulder pain was “immediately after
flu vaccine….” Ex. 5 at 8. See also Ex. 9 at 1 (reporting that petitioner immediately felt
a shooting pain when she received a flu shot on September 15, 2015); Ex. 11 at 5
(reporting petitioner received a flu shot on September 15, 2015 and immediately
developed a shooting pain in her left shoulder).
Medical records generally “warrant consideration as trustworthy evidence.”
Cucuras v. HHS, 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993). However, greater weight is
typically given to contemporaneous records. Vergara v. HHS, 08-882V, 2014 WL
2795491, *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 15, 2014) (“Special Masters frequently accord
more weight to contemporaneously-recorded medical symptoms than those recorded in
later medical histories, affidavits, or trial testimony.”). The weight afforded to
contemporaneous records is due to the fact that they “contain information supplied to or
by health professionals to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. With
proper treatment hanging in the balance, accuracy has an extra premium.” Cucuras,
993 F.2d at 1528. That is exactly the context in which the above-described medical
records discussed the onset of petitioner’s shoulder pain. Thus, the undersigned does
not find a delay in treatment of several months to be dispositive in and of itself regarding
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 9 of 10
the question of onset in a SIRVA case such as this. Petitioner’s recollection that her
injury began immediately following her vaccination is evidenced from numerous
treatment records. Additionally, there are no records reflecting intervening medical
visits where petitioner failed to note her shoulder pain. That is, petitioner’s recollection
of onset was clearly documented (initially and many times subsequently) in the context
of diagnosis and treatment “with proper treatment hanging in the balance.” Thus,
contrary to respondent’s assertion, petitioner’s claim is corroborated by
contemporaneous treatment records.
Additionally, the undersigned finds petitioner’s sworn statement explaining her
pattern of treatment and reports to her physicians as reasonable and credible. See,
e.g., Stevens v. HHS, 90-221V, 1990 WL 608693, *3 (Cl. Ct. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 21, 1990)
(noting that clear cogent, and consistent testimony can overcome missing or
contradictory medical records). Petitioner indicates that the injection was very painful
when it was first administered, however she was told the pain would ultimately go away.
Ex. 6 at 1.
Also significant is that petitioner’s account is fully consistent with other affidavits
submitted in this case, including those from Ms. Minneci, Mr. Shapiro, Mr. Moni, and
Ms. Middlebrooks. In those four affidavits, petitioner’s pain is described as beginning
immediately after receiving her flu vaccination. Ex. 15 at 2; Ex. 16 at 2; Ex. 17 at 1-2;
Ex. 18 at 2. In weighing medical records, “it must be recognized that the absence of a
reference to a condition or circumstance is much less significant than a reference which
negates the existence of the condition or circumstance. Since medical records typically
record only a fraction of all that occurs, the fact that reference to an event is omitted
from the medical records may not be very significant.” Murphy v. HHS, 23 Cl. Ct. 726,
733 (1991), aff’d per curiam, 968 F.2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1992); cf. Cucuras, 993 F.2d at
1528 (noting that “the Supreme Court counsels that oral testimony in conflict with
contemporaneous documentary evidence deserves little weight.”). In this case, the
undersigned is persuaded that petitioner’s much more detailed sworn statements are in
harmony with the contemporaneous records and provides additional credible
statements regarding her condition that are absent or omitted from the medical records,
rather than contradicted by the medical records.
Respondent notes that the physical therapy records indicate the date of
petitioner’s injury was September 23, 2015. See, e.g., Ex. 4 at 1, 35 (recording the
injury date as “09/23/2015 New Injury”). This is contradicted by numerous other records
and affidavits cited above. See, e.g., Ex. 5 at 8 (recording the onset of petitioner’s left
shoulder pain as “immediately after flu vaccine….”); Ex. 16 (affidavits noting petitioner
experienced pain immediately after flu vaccination). Further, petitioner addressed this
discrepancy in her supplemental affidavit. Ex. 25. Petitioner stated that she is not
aware of how the injury date was determined in the physical therapy records, and
cannot account for this error.
Thus, petitioner’s reports to her physicians and her much more detailed
statements in her sworn affidavits corroborate one another. The undersigned finds that
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 50 Filed 03/13/19 Page 10 of 10
petitioner’s sworn statements and medical records work in tandem to provide
preponderant evidence that her shoulder pain began within 48 hours of her September
15, 2015 flu vaccination.
V. Conclusion
Thus, the undersigned finds, based on the record as a whole, the onset of
petitioner’s injury was within 48 hours of her September 15, 2015 flu vaccination as
alleged in the petition.
The parties are encouraged to consider an informal resolution of this claim.
Petitioner shall file a joint status report by no later than March 1, 2019, updating the
court on the status of the parties’ settlement discussions. The status report shall
indicate how the parties intend to proceed in this case, and whether respondent intends
to file an expert report.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master
10

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01413-1
Date issued/filed: 2019-08-14
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 05/07/2019) regarding 55 Ruling on Entitlement ( Signed by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. )(mpj) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 60 Filed 08/14/19 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 16-1413V
Filed: May 7, 2019
UNPUBLISHED
MELINDA MIDDLEBROOKS,
Petitioner, Special Processing Unit (SPU);
v. Ruling on Entitlement; Uncontested;
Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
HUMAN SERVICES, Administration (SIRVA)
Respondent.
Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for
petitioner.
Daniel Anthony Principato, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
Dorsey, Chief Special Master:
On October 27, 2016, petitioner filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury caused by a
September 15, 2015 influenza (“flu”) vaccination. Petition at 1. The case was assigned
to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
1 The undersigned intends to post this ruling on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website. This
means the ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine
Rule 18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the
disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned
agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from
public access. Because this unpublished ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this
case, undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in
accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management
and Promotion of Electronic Government Services).
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

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On September 24, 2018, respondent filed a Motion for a Factual Ruling, wherein
respondent requested the undersigned make a factual ruling with respect to the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms. ECF No. 43. A factual ruling with respect to the
onset of petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms was issued on February 4, 2018 finding that
the onset of petitioner’s injury was within 48 hours of her September 15, 2015 flu
vaccination. ECF No. 43 at 8.
On April 19, 2019, respondent filed an Amended Rule 4(c) report. Respondent
stated that, recognizing the factual finding is the law of the case, he will not defend the
case on other grounds during further proceedings before the Office of Special Masters.
Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1.3 Specifically, respondent has reviewed the
evidence filed in this case, and in light of the Special Masters’ fact ruling, has concluded
that petitioner suffered a shoulder injury caused-in-fact by her September 15, 2015
vaccination. Id. at 7. Respondent further stated that he does not dispute petitioner has
satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id.
In view of respondent’s position and the evidence of record, the undersigned
finds that petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master
3 Respondent reserved his right to a potential appeal of the factual ruling and stated that a finding of
entitlement to compensation could not be sustained if the Finding of Fact is vacated or overturned on
appeal.

================================================================================
DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01413-2
Date issued/filed: 2020-12-07
Pages: 7
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 11/12/2020) regarding 84 DECISION Stipulation. Signed by Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. (mjf) Service on parties made.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 85 Filed 12/07/20 Page 1 of 7
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
Filed: November 12, 2020
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MELINDA MIDDLEBROOKS, * UNPUBLISHED
*
Petitioner, * No. 16-1413V
*
v. * Special Master Dorsey
*
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Decision Based on Stipulation;
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Influenza (“Flu”) Vaccine; Shoulder
* Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. * Administration.
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Leah V. Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for petitioner.
Ryan D. Pyles, US Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION BASED ON STIPULATION1
On October 27, 2016, Melina Middlebrooks (“petitioner”) filed a petition in the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 Petitioner alleged that as a result of influenza (“flu”)
vaccine on September 15, 2015, she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”). Petition at Preamble (ECF No. 1).
On November 12, 2020, the parties filed a stipulation recommending an award of
compensation to petitioner. Stipulation (ECF No. 83). Respondent continues to maintain his
contrary position to the undersigned’s Ruling on Entitlement, finding petitioner entitled to
1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the
undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website in
accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal
Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will
be available to anyone with access to the Internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b),
petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure
of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned
agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such
material from public access.
2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended,
42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (2012) (“Vaccine Act” or “the Act”). All citations in this Decision
to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa.
1

Case 1:16-vv-01413-UNJ Document 85 Filed 12/07/20 Page 2 of 7
compensation, but will not seek review of the undersigned’s determination of entitlement upon
its memorialization as a reviewable decision. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint
stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A. The undersigned finds the stipulation reasonable and
adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
The parties stipulate that petitioner shall receive the following compensation:
(1) A lump sum of $87,464.26 in the form of a check payable to petitioner.
This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Stipulation at ¶ 8.
The undersigned approves the requested amount for petitioner’s compensation.
Accordingly, an award should be made consistent with the stipulation.
In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of
Court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties’ stipulation.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora B. Dorsey
Nora B. Dorsey
Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties’ joint filing of
notice renouncing the right to seek review.
2

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